Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills was an enjoyable mystery and a quick read.
“Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston’s airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man’s motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.
“Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy’s community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.”
While there were aspects of the plot that I really liked, I found the participation of a local veterinarian in the hunt and capture of a terrorist a bit implausible. I did like Dr. Stacy Broussard. She’s a hard worker, compassionate (toward animals and wayward children), an entrepreneur, intelligent and more. In short, she’s everything I wish I could be. Discovering a body while trail riding? That I can believe. But continuing to help an FBI special agent solve the murder (and unravel the bigger picture) is a bit much to swallow.
Speaking of the special agent, Alex LeBlanc was likable too, maybe too likeable. He was very nearly perfect, rarely taking a misstep or making a poor decision. I found the lack of flaws lacking an air of authenticity.
Overall, though, Mills is an experienced storyteller, so in spite of its hard to believe characters and some plot shortcomings, Deadly Encounter is well-written and definitely a worthy means of escape from reality for a few hours of mystery, intrigue and whodunnit!
I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Encounter from Tyndale House Publishers, but I was not otherwise compensated for this review. All writing, thoughts, and opinions are solely mine.
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